Last year’s 50th Anniversary was very special to us and to commemorate the day, we asked bartenders at each of our resorts to create the perfect Caribbean cocktail for the celebration. Want to make the winning drinks at home? Visit bit.ly/38fR2Hw to view the recipes.
Here’s a look down memory lane from last year’s celebration!
Not only did we celebrate this milestone occasion, but we also said farewell to Mr. Gerrit Griffith, the beloved General Manager of Divi Aruba Phoenix Beach Resort, who worked with the company for 43 remarkable years and retired on August 31, 2019.
Even now, we receive questions about how Gerrit’s doing, and we are very happy to report that he’s doing great! Since retiring, Gerrit has kept himself busy doing charity work and spending time with his beloved granddaughter as well as his lovely wife, two sons and daughter.
We hope you’re missing us as much as we’re missing you! We can’t wait to welcome you back to our beautiful islands soon but in the meantime, we’ve gathered up quotes from some of our favorite blogs and articles about our islands and resorts to get you in the spirit and inspire you for future vacations in 2020. Don’t forget to tell us why you #wishyouwerehere on Instagram!
ST. MAARTEN “If you’re looking for a slice of heaven on earth, look no further than Divi Little Bay Beach Resort in St. Maarten. Divi Resort is located on a small, private peninsula on the Dutch side of the island, on St. Maarten’s Little Bay. Here, you will find beautiful 360 views, where the turquoise sea blends into lush green hills.” – Jill Deconti, The Luxe Travelers
ARUBA – Windows on Aruba“We had a very memorable and beautiful dining experience both at dinner and at brunch. The staff is welcoming, warm and kind. They, in fact, go all out to make this the best dining experience you will have on the island and its heavenly. Scenery, coupled with a brilliant menu truly creates the quintessential brunch visit on the island.” – Dana Vento
ST. MAARTEN “If you need a little adventure in your life, the world’s steepest zip line is here on St Maarten just for a thrill! It is pure adrenaline at 56 miles per hour in a drop! It is located at an eco-adventure park called Rockland Estate and the park is known as Rainforest Adventures. And honestly, it may be high up on the mountain, but it really was a fun ride down.” – Dr. Cacinda Maloney, Points & Travel
BARBADOS Dive into an underwater world where turtles, fish and colorful sea creatures abound. Climb aboard Tiami’s 60-ft catamaran to spend the day snorkeling and swimming side-by-side with turtles and a variety of exotic fish, a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience. – Divi Resorts Blog
ARUBA “Idyllic Aruba lures more than a million sunseekers to its sandy shores each year, who come for the pristine beaches, fantastic weather, world-class kiteboarding spots, lively nightlife scene, and even a chance to get up close and personal with pink flamingos.” – Tamara Elliot, Globe Guide
ST. MAARTEN “The Dutch side is known for their stunning turquoise beaches and one of the best is Mullet Bay. Located close to Maho Beach, it is the quieter and bigger of the two. There are a couple local bars on the beach offering cold drinks and typical island cuisine.” – Tara, Luxe Tourista
Barbados is the land of lush landscapes, sandy beaches and flavorful rum, with a strong British influence from its many years of British occupation beginning in the 1600s. In 1966, Barbados gained its independence from the United Kingdom, and even though more than 50 years have passed, the country’s impact on the island is still seen in Barbados’ culture, architecture and traditions.
So how do you enjoy “old blighty” in the Caribbean you ask?
Catch a Sporting Event on Barbados First, start with a spot of tea, then dress in your best whites to watch a game of cricket with refreshing gin of tonics included, of course. If cricket isn’t your thing, enjoy a chukka of polo plus stomping divots or a thrilling horse race at the Barbados Turf Club located within the Garrison Historic area just outside Bridgetown.
Watch the Changing of the Guard Show A time-honored British tradition, every Thursday at noon, the Barbados Defense Force hosts a Changing of the Sentry ceremony at the main guard of the Barbados Garrison in Bridgetown. Donning the colorful Zouave uniform chosen by Queen Victoria in 1858, this unique display of British culture lasts about fifteen minutes. Be sure to get there early to snag a great viewing spot and snap a cheeky photo! While in Bridgetown, you’ll also want to stop by the Parliament Buildings to capture a few pictures. Built in 1870, these buildings have been the seat of government on Barbados since 1874 and were formerly the site of Colonial administration.
Visit Historical Museums & Buildings For even more history, visit the Arlington House Museum, a restored 18th century building in Speightstown with an interactive 3-story museum, or stop by the Barbados Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage site, to learn more about the island’s unique culture.
Stop by the Bridgetown Jewish Synagogue Built in 1654, this historic synagogue was destroyed by a hurricane in 1831 but has since been restored to its original beauty. Right next door is the Nidhe Israel Museum, a museum that traces Jewish history in Barbados and highlights their contribution to Barbadian society
Take a Trip to the St. James & St. John Parish Church These churches are amongst the four oldest surviving churches in Barbados. St. James is located near the site of the first settlement in Holetown and its church features a bell with the inscription, “God bless King William 1696.” The bell predates the American Liberty Bell by 56 years.
Enjoy High Tea with Bajan Fish & Chips Yummy scones and tea are still a part of Bajan culture, and dishes similar to the UK’s famous fish and chips made with an island twist are local delicacies on the island. One of Barbados’s most popular meals is fried flying fish served with rich macaroni pie. Stop by Divi Southwind’s pureocean Restaurant to sample this delicious fish dish, and try it with a splash of malt vinegar for an extra kick of flavor!
Whether you’re a collector of island tees, sparkling jewelry or sweet-smelling perfume, the easiest way to relive the Caribbean vacation of your dreams is by bringing back a few mementos.
The best souvenirs help you share the spirit and personality of the places you visited. We asked a few of our owners, members and guests what their favorites souvenirs are and we’re excited to share the results. Perhaps they are your favorites too!
Aruba It’s the oldest aloe company in the world and it’s located right in the heart of Aruba. Founded in 1890, Aruba Aloe is the only aloe company that grows, harvests and manufactures its own souvenirs on-site. You can find Aruba Aloe products pretty much everywhere on the island, but for a more interactive experience, stop by the Aruba Aloe Museum and factory store to learn about the production process and Aruba’s 160-year history of aloe cultivation. Aruba Aloe products can also be purchased online at www.arubaaloe.com.
Barbados Featuring a wide range of handcrafted, authentically Caribbean plates, bowls, vases, and more, Earthworks pottery is worth the short trip to the Edgehill Heights section of the St. Thomas parish. This one-of-a kind pottery studio and store offers over 150 designs and 36 stock patterns, so you’re bound to find something that suits your style. Earthworks can also ship fragile items if you’re worried about them surviving the flight home or if you’ve run out of room in your luggage. Visit www.earthworks-pottery.com to learn more and find your perfect pottery.
Bonaire Cudushy Distillery, located in Rincón, is the only distillery on the island and home to the world’s only cactus liquor! The distillery features six different liqueur flavors inspired by local islands: Cadushy of Bonaire, Kukui of Aruba, Calbas of Curacao, Gold of Statia, Spices of Saba and Orange of Orange, which was inspired by Dutch Royalty. When on Bonaire, a distillery tour and complimentary tasting should be at the top of your to-do list. Cadushy Distillery also offers a line of award-winning cactus rum, vodka, whiskey and gin made right on the island. Grab a bottle or two to bring home or snag a sample pack so you can taste each flavor. Visit www.cadushy.com to explore the different types of cactus libations.
St. Maarten How many people can say they made their very own perfume or cologne on a tropical Caribbean island? When you visit the island of St. Maarten, you can pop over to the French side of the island and do just that at Tijon Perfumerie! During this unique experience, you’ll learn about different types of fragrances before making your own unique fragrance from a variety of exotic spices, herbs and oils. Once you’ve perfected your perfume, you’ll name your fragrance. The name will be added to your very own sleek perfume bottle, which you can take home and enjoy for months. Plus, Tijon keeps a record of the ingredients in your custom perfume so you can reorder it anytime, even when you’re not on the island. For more information, visit www.tijon.com.
St. Croix When you visit St. Croix, you’ll notice many local women wearing a unique type of bracelet. The St. Croix Hook or Crucian Hook as it’s known on the island is a metal, band-style bracelet with a horseshoe-shaped clasp or hook that represents love. These bracelets come in a variety of styles and colors, and you can purchase them in most jewelry stores on the island. To learn more about this popular Crucian accessory and to find your own, visit www.gotostcroix.com/st.croix-blog/show-love-crucian-bracelet.
Book before November 27, 2019 to score up to 50% off your next vacation!
Divi Resorts is proud to support those who have served their country and communities by offering 20% discount off best
available rates year-round. Plus, in honor of Veterans Day, Divi Resorts
is offering military families up to 50% off all resorts on Aruba, Bonaire,
Barbados and St. Maarten. This limited-time offer runs from now until November 27, 2019
for travel through December 20, 2019.
“The jobs these brave men and women perform are vital to our communities,
and we’re happy to give back in any way we can,” said Marco Galaverna, Divi
Resorts President & COO. “That’s why we’re offering a limited-time deal of
up to 50% off all of our Divi Resorts Caribbean destinations for those who have
or are currently serving our country and communities.”
This limited-time offer is
available to all military personnel, firefighters, and police, including those
who are on active service, reserve, and retired, in addition to their spouses
and children.
Divi Resorts’ tropical Caribbean locations span the beautiful islands of Aruba, Bonaire, Barbados and St. Maarten, and provide the perfect vacation destination to help those who serve relieve their stress, relax, rejuvenate and unwind with a wide variety of on-site amenities including elegant restaurants with mouthwatering menus, lively bars with thirst-quenching libations, fabulous freshwater pools, spectacular beaches, water sports, spas and much more!
Divi’s all-suite accommodations are perfect for couples on the hunt for a
romantic getaway and families needing extra space to stretch out. And since
room only stays are priced per room and not per person, solo travelers
can also enjoy Divi’s safe, friendly islands,
without the added cost.
Divi’s Veterans Day sale runs from now until November
27, 2019 for travel through December 20, 2019. Divi’s 20% Military
Discount is available year-round.For reservations, book online at www.diviresorts.com/military.htm or call 1-800-367-3484 (Toll-free US) or 1-
919-419-3484 (International). For group reservations, please call
1-800-801-5550 or email groupsales@diviresorts.com.
Sale Terms & Conditions This offer applies to reservations made from now until November 27, 2019 for travel through December 20, 2019. Discount based on rack pricing. All-inclusive rates based on double occupancy. Taxes & services charges NOT included, except for All-Inclusive packages. 3-night minimum stay required for All-Inclusive packages. No maximum night stay is required. Restrictions & blackout dates apply. Full payment is required at time of reservation. Cancellations must be received at least 7 days prior to arrival for refund. Offer is subject to availability and may be discontinued at any time. Offer valid on new reservations booked at a nightly rate only. Offer not valid on timeshare reservations. Cannot be combined with any other Divi special offer.
Prepare for the perfect wedding, vow renewal, honeymoon or anniversary at Divi Resorts!
Couples on the hunt for the perfect place to tie the knot need look no further than Divi Resorts! Cool breezes, soft white sand and turquoise waters set the mood for a dreamy Caribbean destination wedding, vow renewal, honeymoon or anniversary celebration on Aruba, Barbados, Bonaire or St. Maarten. Plus, with Divi’s special wedding and romance packages, couples can celebrate their love story in style without breaking the bank.
“Destination weddings in the Caribbean are truly one-of-a-kind and happy couples look to Divi Resorts to provide expert wedding planning and execution. Couples can rest assured that arranging and coordinating a long-distance wedding will be made that much easier in the hands of our professionals to ensure a flawless day full of love and memories,” said Marco Galaverna, Divi Resorts President & COO. “And our romance packages are ideal for those celebrating honeymoons and special anniversaries!”
Whether you’re seeking a
large group wedding, a small and intimate affair or a popular retie the knot
ceremony for immediate family, Divi Resorts offers all the pre- and post-ceremony
fun and adventure on Aruba, Barbados, Bonaire and St. Maarten.
From the moment you and your guests arrive, our on-site amenities, including fabulous freshwater pools, exhilarating land and water sports, diving and snorkeling, elegant restaurants with mouthwatering menus, lively bars with creative cocktails, indulgent spas and much more will keep everyone busy, entertained and in the party mood!
Divi offers the following Wedding Package for the soon-to-be newlyweds when 10+ room
reservations are booked for wedding guests:
Complimentary One-Bedroom Suite
Turndown Service
Fresh Flowers & Champagne on Arrival
Free Daily Breakfast
Free 4- or 7-Night Return Anniversary Stay (in the same resort as the original stay)
Free Couples Massage
There’s also a helpful Ceremony Package available that provides:
Divi’s Romance Packages are perfect for honeymoons, anniversaries or
any romantic occasion! Five-night romance packages start at $528 per person ($106
per person, per night). Seven-night romance packages start at $711 per person
($102 per person, per night). Both packages include:
Accommodations in a one-bedroom suite
Daily breakfast for two
One romantic candlelit dinner for two
Welcome turndown service for the first night with special treats such as
bedside candles, a petal-strewn bed, a chilled bottle of champagne in a
keepsake souvenir wine cooler bag, two souvenir champagne flutes and chocolate
or tropical fruits
All-inclusive romance
package options are available on Aruba and St. Maarten. For more information on
Divi’s Romance Packages or to check availability, visit www.diviresorts.com/honeymoons.htm.
Divi Resorts also offers
exclusive honeymoon registries to four properties: Divi Aruba Phoenix Beach
Resort, Divi Village Golf & Beach Resort on Aruba, Divi Little Bay Beach
Resort on St. Maarten and Divi Southwinds Beach Resort on Barbados. Couples can
sign up for this personalized and customizable honeymoon registry and choose to
accept contributions toward a wide range of experiences, services and
amenities, including nights at the resort, fine dining, casual dining, spa
treatments, welcome turndown packages, snorkel adventures, sunset sails, flower
arrangements and much more. Guests can also make general contributions toward
the couple’s stay. For more information or to sign up, visit www.diviresorts.honeymoonwishes.com.
For a limited time, couples
can enter for a chance to win a 5-night Romance Package. One lucky couple who
shares their love story at www.diviresorts.com/honeymoons.htm will win an all-inclusive
5-night vacation to St. Maarten with two tickets to AquaMania Adventures’ Tango
Dinner Cruise, a 50-minute Couples Pure Relaxation Massage at Indulgence by the
Sea Spa, and turndown service on the first night.*
Enter before November 25,
2019 at 1:00 p.m. ET!
*Airfare and transportation
not included. Travel must be completed before November 25, 2020. See terms and
conditions for more details.
